Greatest NBA Teams of All Time

There's a big difference between good NBA teams and great ones. Great teams change the game and league forever.

There’s a big difference between good NBA teams and great ones.

Great teams — like the 1967 Philadelphia 76ers or 72-win 1996 Chicago Bulls — change the game and league forever. Players on great teams make history with their talent and will.

But great teams need more than great players to create champions. It takes strategic coaching, locker-room chemistry and other variables. And when everything comes together, dynasties are born.

These are the greatest NBA teams of all time.

30. 1972-1973 New York Knicks

New York Knicks Willis Reed averaged 16.4 points in the 1973 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. AP Photo

Coach: Red Holzman

Key players: PG Walt Frazier, SG Earl Monroe

Regular-season record: 57-25 (.695)

Postseason record: 12-5 (.706)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: The Knicks were a complete team, but they weren’t considered world beaters. With stars Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe leading the way, New York won 57 games during the regular season and finished second in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Celtics.

Then, they shocked those 68-win, John Havlicek-led Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games.

The Knicks finished their magical run by beating the Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals, a year after they lost the finals to Los Angeles.

29. 2005-06 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat reach for the Larry O’Brien Trophy after beating the Dallas Mavericks in six games to win the NBA championship. Donna McWilliam / AP Photo

Coach: Stan Van Gundy

Key players: SG Dwyane Wade, C Shaquille O’Neal, PF Udonis Haslem

Regular-season record: 52-30 (.634)

Postseason record: 16-7 (.696)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Dallas Mavericks

Bottom line: The Heat were surrounded by their two stars, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, who led them to 52 wins during the regular season.

The Heat got down 0-2 in the NBA Finals to the Mavericks before winning four consecutive games to capture their first NBA title in franchise history.

The championship also jumpstarted the legacy of Wade as one of the top shooting guards in league history.

28. 2003-04 Detroit Pistons

Rasheed Wallace, Darvin Ham, Lindsey Hunter

Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace (30), center, celebrates with teammates Darvin Ham (8), left, and Lindsey Hunter (10) after their win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Michael Conroy / AP Photo

Coach: Larry Brown

Key players: C Ben Wallace, PG Chauncey Billups, PF Rasheed Wallace

Regular-season record: 54-28 (.659)

Postseason record: 16-7 (.696)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: The Pistons put together the magic formula to win a championship after falling in the Eastern Conference finals the previous season.

Although not quite like the “Bad Boy” Pistons of the early 1990s, this 2003-04 team had grit and toughness from Ben Wallace to Chauncey Billups.

They dispatched the Lakers in five games to win the team’s third championship in franchise history.

27. 2006-07 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan, right, grabs a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in Game 4 of the 2007 NBA Finals. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Key players: C Tim Duncan, SG Manu Ginobili, PG Tony Parker

Regular-season record: 58-24 (.707)

Postseason record: 16-4 (.800)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Cleveland Cavaliers

Bottom line: The Spurs swept the LeBron James-led Cavaliers with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker manning the ship to win their second title in three seasons.

After losing in the Western Conference semifinals to the Mavericks in 2006, the Spurs found their mojo and powered their way to a revenge title.

San Antonio allowed only 90.1 points to their opponents, which was tops in the regular season.

26. 2009-2010 Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, right, blocks a shot by Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce as Ron Artest provides support during Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. Jae C. Hong / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Kobe Bryant, C Pau Gasol

Regular-season record: 57-25 (.695)

Postseason record: 16-7 (.696)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-3) versus the Boston Celtics

Bottom line: Led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers pummeled their way to 57 wins during the regular season.

Then, they made relative light work of the Thunder, Jazz and Suns before a grueling seven-game series win against the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce-Ray Allen-led Boston Celtics that gave Los Angeles back-to-back titles.

The title was Bryant’s fifth and last career championship, one less than Michael Jordan.

25. 2010-11 Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry hold up their trophies after beating the Miami Heat to win the 2011 NBA title. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Key players: PF Dirk Nowitzki, PG Jason Kidd

Regular-season record: 57-25 (.695)

Postseason record: 16-5 (.762)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Miami Heat

Bottom line: The Mavericks were heavy underdogs to the superteam Miami Heat of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

But after dispatching the NBA champion of the last two finals, the Lakers, in a sweep, in the second round, Dallas was battle-tested.

Led by superstar Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks showed resilience and fight and came up huge in the David-Goliath matchup with Miami.

James would have to wait before capturing his elusive first NBA title. This was Nowitzki’s time.

24. 2012-13 Miami Heat

Miami Heat players, including LeBron James, top center, celebrate after winning Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo

Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Key players: SF LeBron James, SG Dwyane Wade, PF Chris Bosh

Regular-season record: 66-16 (.805)

Postseason record: 16-7 (.696)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-3) versus the San Antonio Spurs

Bottom line: LeBron James and the Miami Heat proved the doubters wrong again to repeat as NBA champions and cement his legacy.

The indelible moment of this Finals series was Ray Allen splashing a corner 3-point shot to tie the game in Game 6 and demoralize the Spurs, who lost in seven.

The Heat also will be remembered for their 27-game regular-season winning streak, only six fewer than the 1971-72 Lakers, who won an NBA-record 33 in a row.

23. 1994-95 Houston Rockets

Orlando Magic forward Horace Grant battles Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon, left, and guard Clyde Drexler, right, for a rebound during Game 4 of the 1995 NBA Finals. Tim Johnson / AP Photo

Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich

Key players: PG Kenny Smith, C Hakeem Olajuwon, SG Clyde Drexler

Regular-season record: 47-35 (.573)

Postseason record: 15-7 (.682)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Orlando Magic

Bottom line: Led by all-time greats, Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler helped the Rockets sweep the Magic and win back-to-back championships.

This team’s legacy will be tied to the greatness of Olajuwon and Drexler, and the absence of Michael Jordan, who retired briefly from the NBA for two seasons to play baseball.

The Rockets took advantage before Jordan returned to the NBA in the 1995-1996 season and led the Bulls to their second three-peat.

22. 1980-81 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird blocks Bill Willoughby’s shot during a game in the 1981 NBA Finals. Bill Polo / AP Photo

Coach: Bill Fitch

Key players: PF Larry Bird, PF Kevin McHale, C Robert Parish

Regular-season record: 62-20 (.756)

Postseason record: 12-5 (.706)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Houston Rockets

Bottom line: The Celtics were a powerhouse team.

Led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, the Celtics posted 62 wins during the regular season and won the NBA title after being vanquished by Philadelphia in the previous year in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Celtics got revenge against the the Sixers in the Eastern Conference finals in seven games this go-round, before winning the championship in six games against the Rockets.

The title was the first of three Bird, McHale and Parish won together in the 1980s in Boston.

21. 2013-14 San Antonio Spurs

2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, third from right, celebrates with his Spurs teammates after taking care of business against the Miami Heat. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Key players: C Tim Duncan, PG Tony Parker, SG Manu Ginobili

Regular-season record: 62-20 (.756)

Postseason record: 16-7 (.696)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Miami Heat

Bottom line: San Antonio’s “Big 3” of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili carried the team to 62 wins during the regular season and another matchup with the superteam Miami Heat in the Finals.

After a disheartening loss to Miami the year before, the Spurs were refocused and recalibrated for the title run, vanquishing the Heat in five games.

The Spurs’ title win prevented a Miami three-peat and put Kawhi Leonard on the map as one of the up-and-coming stars in the league as he won Finals MVP.

20. 1968-69 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics center Bill Russell drives against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1969 NBA Finals. Harold P. Matosian / AP Photo

Coach: Bill Russell

Key players: C Bill Russell, SG John Havlicek

Regular-season record: 48-34 (.585)

Postseason record: 12-6 (.667)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-3) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: Bill Russell ended his Celtics career with an 11th ring. As player-coach, Russell and shooting guard John Havlicek led the Boston Celtics to 48 victories during the regular season, seven short of their expected win total.

The Celtics made quick work of the 76ers and Knicks, before beating the Lakers in seven games in the NBA Finals to go back-to-back.

The title was their 10th championship in 12 seasons.

19. 1989-90 Detroit Pistons

Detroit center Bill Laimbeer holds off Portland center Kevin Duckworth during Game 2 of the 1990 NBA Finals. Lennox McLendon / AP Photo

Coach: Chuck Daly

Key players: PG Isiah Thomas, C Bill Laimbeer

Regular-season record: 59-23 (.720)

Postseason record: 15-5 (.750)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Portland Trail Blazers

Bottom line: This team was in the middle of the “Bad Boy” Pistons era.

Led by Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer and Joe Dumars, this iteration of the Pistons was tough and did not mind knocking players to the ground.

They played with force and physicality to bring home their second consecutive championship and second title in franchise history.

18. 1997-98 Chicago Bulls

Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton, left, and Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan fight for a rebound in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Michael Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen

Regular-season record: 62-20 (.756)

Postseason record: 15-6 (.714)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Utah Jazz

Bottom line: This was Michael Jordan’s last season playing with the Bulls — and it was a memorable one.

Jordan and Scottie Pippen were the main catalysts in helping Chicago reach 62 regular-season wins.

They then helped vanquish John Stockton, Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz in six games in the Finals, and Jordan fittingly hit the game-winning shot.

The title was Jordan’s sixth and second three-peat.

17. 2017-18 Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors celebrate after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2018 NBA Finals. Carlos Osorio / AP Photo

Coach: Steve Kerr

Key players: PG Stephen Curry, SF Kevin Durant, SG Klay Thompson

Regular-season record: 58-24 (.707)

Postseason record: 16-5 (.762)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Cleveland Cavaliers

Bottom line: The toughest opponent for great teams often is themselves. This iteration of the Golden State Warriors took a slight step back in the regular season after winning 67 games the year before.

Injuries to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant took a toll and kept Golden State from winning 60-plus games, but the biggest challenge may have been battling complacency.

Like all great teams, they regained their focus and got locked in during the postseason to win back-to-back championships.

16. 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers

Earvin “Magic” Johson glides to the basket for two points during a regular-season game against the Golden State Warriors in 1980. AP Photo

Coach: Jack McKinney (10-4), Paul Westhead (50-18)

Key players: C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, SG Magic Johnson, SG Michael Cooper

Regular-season record: 60-22 (.732)

Postseason record: 12-4 (.750)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Philadelphia 76ers

Bottom line: Los Angeles became Magic Johnson’s town after the point guard led the Lakers to the NBA title in his rookie campaign.

In Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6-foot-9 point guard cemented his legacy as one of the best big-game players in NBA history. With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out due to an ankle injury, Johnson played center and scored 42 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to win Finals MVP honors.

It was the first of five titles Johnson won with the Lakers in the 1980s, and the “Showtime” era was born.

15. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers

Wilt Chamberlain and the 1966-1967 76ers

Wilt Chamberlain gets champagne poured on him in the Philadelphia 76ers dressing room after the team beat the Boston Celtics to win the 1967 Eastern Division final. AP Photo

Coach: Alex Hannum

Key players: C Wilt Chamberlain, SG Hal Greer

Regular-season record: 68-13 (.840)

Postseason record: 11-4 (.733)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the San Francisco Warriors

Bottom line: This team once was hailed as the greatest NBA team of all time. But as the years moved on, their place in NBA history has receded.

Led by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, the Philadelphia 76ers won 68 games during the regular season.

Chamberlain and shooting guard Hal Greer helped steer the Sixers past the Cincinnati Royals and the Boston Celtics, before dispatching the San Francisco Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals.

During the playoffs, Chamberlain dominated, averaging 21.7 points and 29.1 rebounds, to win his first title and bring a championship back to Philly.

14. 2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher

Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal, left, Kobe Bryant, Rick Fox, second from right, and Derek Fisher in Game 4 of the 2002 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Kobe Bryant, C Shaquille O’Neal

Regular-season record: 58-24 (.707)

Postseason record: 15-4 (.789)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the New Jersey Nets

Bottom line: To some, this team’s place in history is controversial.

In the Western Conference finals, the Lakers squared off against the 61-win Sacramento Kings. In Game 6 of the series, the calls started going in favor of the Lakers, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 40 free throws in the game to the Kings’ 25 free throws and won by four points.

The Lakers won Game 7 and swept the Nets in the NBA Finals to win their third consecutive title.

13. 1969-70 New York Knicks

Baltimore Bullets guard Earl Monroe scrambles after the ball while guarded by New York Knicks point guard Walt Frazier in a playoff game in 1970. Bob Schutz / AP Photo

Coach: Red Holzman

Key players: PG Walt Frazier, C Willis Reed

Regular-season record: 60-22 (.732)

Postseason record: 12-7 (.632)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-3) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: Madison Square Garden — the Knicks’ home — is considered the mecca of basketball, and thanks to Walt Frazier, the hometown team got to the top of the NBA mountain for the first time.

In his second year in the league, Frazier, provided a solid 1-2 punch with Willis Reed, who led the team in scoring and rebounding with 21.7 points and 13.9 rebounds. Frazier was second on the team in scoring with 20.9 points.

Of course, it takes a team to win a title, and the Knicks had a solid supporting cast. Six Knicks players averaged double figures for the season and made important contributions throughout the postseason against the Baltimore Bullets, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers to bring glory to New York city.

12. 1964-65 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach celebrates the team’s seventh consecutive NBA championship in 1965. Frank Curtin / AP Photo

Coach: Red Auerbach

Key players: SG John Havlicek, C Bill Russell, SF Tom Heinsohn

Regular-season record: 62-18 (.775)

Postseason record: 8-4 (.667)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: This team wasn’t just one of the best Celtics teams ever. It was one of the best NBA teams of all time.

With Bill Russell and John Havlicek leading the way, the Celtics won 62 regular-season games and dominated the league. Russell averaged 14.1 points and 24.1 rebounds, while Sam Jones, a shooting guard, led the team in scoring at 25.9 points.

The regular-season success translated to postseason triumph as Boston beat the Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers in the Eastern Division finals before beating the Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals.

11. 1991-92 Chicago Bulls

Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, left, try to separate teammate Michael Jordan from New York Knicks forward Xavier McDaniel, rear, during a playoff game in 1992. John Swart / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Michael Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen, PF Horace Grant

Regular-season record: 67-15 (.817)

Postseason record: 15-7 (.682)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Portland Trail Blazers

Bottom line: This season started a legendary run from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan and Pippen led the Bulls to 67 victories during the regular season, with Jordan averaging 30.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists and Pippen averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists and 7.7 rebounds.

The Bulls took care of the Heat, Knicks and Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Then, in the NBA Finals, the Bulls silenced Clyde Drexler’s Portland Trail Blazers to win their first of three straight titles.

10. 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers Bobby Jones, left, embraces Julius Erving after beating the Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games to win the 1983 NBA championship. AP Photo

Coach: Billy Cunningham

Key players: SF Julius Erving, C Moses Malone

Regular-season record: 65-17 (.793)

Postseason record: 12-1 (.923)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: Led by Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Moses Malone, the 76ers won 65 games in the regular season. The regular-season success translated to the postseason when Philadelphia went 12-1, only losing one game, against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals.

Malone averaged 24.5 points and 15.3 rebounds during the regular season.

Philadelphia won 58 games in the 1981-82 season and lost the NBA Finals that year, which makes the 76ers’ title in 1983 much sweeter.

9. 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Oscar Robertson, with teammate Lew Alcindor, against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970. AP Photo

Coach: Larry Costello

Key players: C Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), PG Oscar Robertson

Regular-season record: 66-16 (.805)

Postseason record: 12-2 (.857)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Baltimore Bullets

Bottom line: Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robertson led the Bucks to 66 victories in the 1970-71 season. It was Alcindor’s second season in the NBA, and he averaged an eye-popping 31.7 points and 16.0 rebounds.

His dominance continued in the playoffs as the Bucks beat both the San Francisco Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Then, the Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s lone championship.

The day after winning the title, Alcindor adopted the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

8. 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain fires a leaping scoop shot against the New York Knicks in the 1972 NBA Finals. AP Photo

Coach: Bill Sharman

Key players: PG Jerry West, C Wilt Chamberlain, SF Elgin Baylor

Regular-season record: 69-13 (.841)

Postseason record: 12-3 (.800)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the New York Knicks

Bottom line: Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West led the Lakers to a historic campaign.

Chamberlain averaged 14.8 points and 19.2 rebounds, while West averaged 25.8 points and 9.7 assists as the Lakers won 69 regular-season games, including an NBA-record 33 consecutive games.

The Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks in the Western Conference playoffs. In the NBA Finals, the Lakers beat the Knicks in five games.

7. 1988-89 Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons team owner Bill Davidson holds the Larry O’Brien Trophy surrounded by his players after winning the 1989 NBA championship. Doug Pizac / AP Photo

Coach: Chuck Daly

Key players: PG Isiah Thomas, SG Joe Dumars, C Bill Laimbeer

Regular-season record: 63-19 (.768)

Postseason record: 15-2 (.882)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-0) versus the Los Angeles Lakers

Bottom line: This season marked the beginning of the “Bad Boy” Pistons. With tough players like Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman and Isiah Thomas playing rough, the rest of the NBA was on edge.

The Pistons won 63 regular-season games with their physical brand of basketball. and stormed through the playoffs, losing only two games to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conferencef finals.

They made quick work of the Lakers in the NBA Finals to win Detroit’s first NBA title in franchise history and the first of back-to-back championships.

6. 1996-1997 Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Randy Brown

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had a lot to celebrate in the 1996-97 season. Morry Gash / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Michael Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen, PF Dennis Rodman

Regular-season record: 69-13 (.841)

Postseason record: 15-4 (.789)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Utah Jazz

Bottom line: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen helped lead the Chicago Bulls to one of the greatest seasons of all time. Jordan averaged 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Pippen averaged 20.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

The Bulls won 69 games, one game more than what their expected win total was supposed to be.

Chicago beat the Washington Bullets in a sweep, then the Hawks and the Heat in five games.

Jordan and the Bulls finished off the John Stockton and Karl Malone-led Jazz in six games to win back-to-back titles after winning an NBA-record (at the time) 72 wins in the previous season.

5. 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, celebrates with guard Klay Thompson during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2015. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Coach: Steve Kerr

Key players: PG Stephen Curry, SG Klay Thompson, PF Draymond Green

Regular-season record: 73-9 (.890)

Postseason record: 15-9 (.625)

How they finished: Lost NBA Finals (3-4) versus the Cleveland Cavaliers

Bottom line: The only team on the list that did not win the NBA Finals. This Warriors team — led by Stephen Curry, who averaged 30.1 points on 45.4 percent from beyond the arc — started 24-0 before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. They finished with an NBA-record 73 wins, one more than the 1995-96 Bulls.

However, the Warriors had a historic collapse in the NBA Finals, blowing a 3-1 lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The series turned when Draymond Green got suspended for Game 5, and Curry could not get going after he sprained his knee in an earlier round.

But Cleveland made enough plays to vanquish the defending champs in seven games.

4. 1985-86 Boston Celtics

Larry Bird, holding the NBA championship trophy, celebrates with Boston Celtics teammates, from left, Danny Ainge, Rick Carlisle, and Bill Walton, far right, at Boston City Hall Plaza in 1986. AP Photo

Coach: K.C. Jones

Key players: SF Larry Bird, PF Kevin McHale, C Robert Parish

Regular-season record: 67-15 (.817)

Postseason record: 15-3 (.833)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus Houston Rockets

Bottom line: The Celtics were expected to finish with 63 victories and won 67 games.

With the stellar play of Larry Bird and Robert Parish, the Celtics ran through the regular season and postseason.

They swept the Bulls, beat the Hawks in five games and swept the Bucks in a sweep to reach the NBA Finals against the Rockets, where Boston beat Houston in six games.

3. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors players, coaches and owners celebrate after winning the 2017 NBA title. Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo

Coach: Steve Kerr

Key players: PG Stephen Curry, SG Klay Thompson, SF Kevin Durant

Regular-season record: 67-15 (.817)

Postseason record: 16-1 (.941)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-1) versus the Cleveland Cavaliers

Bottom line: The Warriors got revenge and made it look easy at times. After losing the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cavaliers in historic fashion, the Dubs added Kevin Durant to their already talented roster.

In KD’s first season in the Bay Area, the Warriors won 67 games, the same number they won in the 2014-15 campaign.

Just one Game 4 loss to the Cavaliers in the Finals prevented the Warriors from going a perfect 16-0 in the playoffs.

Their lone loss in the playoffs matched the 2000-01 Lakers, who went 15-1 in the postseason.

2. 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson passes the ball to Byron Scott during an NBA Finals game in 1987. AP Photo

Coach: Pat Riley

Key players: C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, PG Magic Johnson

Regular-season record: 65-17 (.793)

Postseason record: 15-3 (.833)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Boston Celtics

Bottom line: This Lakers team was out for blood. After losing in the Western Conference finals to the Houston Rockets the year before, the Lakers wanted to get back to the NBA Finals and win a championship.

Led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, the Lakers steamrolled through the regular season, winning 65 games. Johnson averaged 23.9 points and 12.2 assists, and Abdul-Jabbar averaged 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds.

The Lakers powered their way through the Western Conference playoffs, losing only once to the Warriors.

Then, the Lakers beat their rivals, the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics, in six games to claim the NBA title. It was a revenge title for the ages.

1. 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls learned it’s good to be the king. Charles Bennett / AP Photo

Coach: Phil Jackson

Key players: SG Michael Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen

Regular-season record: 72-10 (.878)

Postseason record: 15-3 (.833)

How they finished: Won NBA Finals (4-2) versus the Seattle SuperSonics

Bottom line: There can only be one GOAT. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen led the Bulls to an NBA-record (at the time) 72 victories. The Bulls had two separate winning streaks of 18 and 13 during their historic season.

Jordan averaged 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in this campaign. His wingman, Pippen, averaged 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Jordan’s overall greatness overwhelmed teams and forced them to fold by hitting demoralizing shots and making great play after great play.

With a superb supporting cast, the Bulls completed the greatest season in league history with a championship and started a second three-peat.

Related: Most Unbreakable NBA Records